EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball split its series-opening doubleheader against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at USI Softball Field on Friday, as the Screaming Eagles won in walk-off fashion, 4-3, in game 1 before falling in game 2, 5-3.
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With Friday’s results, Southern Indiana moved to 16-18 overall and 9-7 in Ohio Valley Conference action. SIUE went to 16-22 this season with a 3-9 record in OVC play. USI reached a season-best four-game winning streak after the game 1 win and before the Cougars snapped the streak in game 2.
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In Friday’s first game, USI tallied the first runs of the game in the bottom of the first inning. After the first two Screaming Eagles reached base in junior outfielder Mackenzie Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana) and sophomore outfielder Kennedy Nalley (Huntingburg, Indiana), senior Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) lifted a ball to the outfield fence for a two-RBI double that gave USI an early 2-0 lead.
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SIUE answered to tie the game at two in the second inning, and the Cougars grabbed another run in the third to take a one-run lead.
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Following a few scoreless innings, the Screaming Eagles evened the game at three in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Goodin led off the frame with her third home run of the season and third RBI of the contest. The momentum carried into the bottom of the seventh inning, as the first USI batters reached to load the bases. Two hitters later and with one out, Nalley took a 3-1 pitch into right-center field to score senior infielder Jordan Rager (Fishers, Indiana) for the walk-off victory.
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Goodin had two hits with three RBIs in the first game, and senior infielder Rachel Martinez (Chicago, Illinois) also had a pair of hits.
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In the pitching circle, sophomore pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) was credited with her 13th win of the season in her 13th complete game. The right-hander struck out three and allowed three runs – two earned – off seven hits.
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For SIUE, junior Kelsey Ray was dealt the loss, dropping to 4-9 this season. Ray struck out four and surrendered four runs – three earned – off five hits in six innings.
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In game 2, it was SIUE who struck first on the scoreboard, scoring three runs and forcing USI into an early pitching change. USI responded with a run in the home half of the first with another RBI hit on the day by Goodin.
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SIUE built a 5-1 advantage through four innings, but Southern Indiana made a late push toward another comeback bid just like in game 1. Following three errors by SIUE, USI made it a three-run game, 5-2. A productive RBI groundout manufactured another run for USI, bringing the Screaming Eagles within two, 5-3, but the late charge ended there. SIUE got out of the inning with no further damage and closed out the rest of the game.
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Rager led USI with two hits, while Goodin and sophomore Hailey Gotshall (Lucerne, Indiana) were responsible for USI’s two RBIs.
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USI freshman pitcher Raegan Gibson (Louisville, Kentucky), who made her first OVC start, was tagged with the loss, recording one out and giving up three runs. Freshman pitcher Kylie Eads (Indianapolis, Indiana) pitched 2.2 innings with one run allowed in middle relief. Gotshall finished the game in the pitching circle for USI with one unearned run allowed in four innings.
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The Cougars’ freshman pitcher Rylie Pindel picked up her fourth win after allowing two unearned runs in 3.1 innings of relief after junior starting pitcher Sydney Baalman tossed the first 3.2 innings with an unearned run surrendered.
USI walks off in game 1, falls short in game 2 Friday against SIUE
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
RASCHER UP-DATES PREVIOUS DEFECTED/MISSING CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORT
LINK TO CAMPAIGN REPORTS FOR INDIVIDUALS RUNNING FOR POLITICAL OFFICE IN THE MAY 2, 2023 PRIMARY ELECTION IS POSTED BELOW
FOOTNOTE: Â PLEASE CLICK THE ABOVE LINK TO THE SECTION THAT SHOWS MRS. RASCHERS FIRST CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORT SUMITTED TO THE COUNTY CLERK OFFICE THAT WAS DEFECTED/MISSING.
MRS. RASCHER NEW AMENDED CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT WAS SENT LATER IN THE DAY AND WAS POSTED TO THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY CLERKS WEB-SITE.Â
THE ADMENDED CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT BRINGS NATALIE RASCHER CAMPAIGN IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW REGULATING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.
PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE GAINS GUILTY VERDICT IN ASSISTED-LIVING FACILITY RAPE TRIAL
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on April 13-14, 2023, the
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted Oscar Contreras
Zamilpa for committing the crimes of rape, criminal confinement, and three counts of
sexual battery.
On February 18, 2022, EPD Officer Hassler was dispatched to an assisted living
facility in response to an anonymous tip reporting possible sexual assault. Officer Hassler
spoke to the victim who stated she had been raped by a man known as “Mikeâ€, later
identified as Defendant Oscar Contreras Zamilpa. The victim told Officer Hassler she was
helping “Mike†move furniture, as they lived in the same apartment complex, when
Defendant Zamilpa then confined her in the apartment and began to sexually assault her.
Officer Hassler then escorted the victim to Deaconess Midtown for a medical exam and
for treatment of injuries.
Deputy Prosecutors Jeremy Kemper and Amanda Honaker presented DNA
evidence and other medical evidence to secure a guilty verdict on all counts at trial.
Prosecutor Moers thanked her Deputy Prosecutors for their hard work as well as
the Victim Advocate Cassie Tempel, Detective Rob Waller, and EPD Officer Nathan
Hassler. “This rapist took advantage of a friend and neighbor who lived in the same
assisted-living facility as him, but thanks to the survivor’s strong voice the Defendant was
held accountable today by a jury for each of his actions. My hope is that this brave woman
can now begin healing from the horrendous acts of the Defendant. We will be prepared to
recommend a harsh punishment at the sentencing. I hope this serves as encouragement
to all victims to come forward for help—you will have a fighter in your corner,†stated
Prosecuting Attorney Moers.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2023 in front of Judge Robert J. Pigman of
the Vanderburgh Superior Court.
Email message sent to several dozen Indiana schools threatening the use of explosive devices
Early this morning, the Indiana State Police was made aware of an email message sent to several dozen Indiana schools threatening the use of explosive devices that had allegedly been planted on various school campuses. We immediately allocated all intelligence resources to investigate the validity of the threat, to include communication with the Department of Education, our local, county, and federal law enforcement partners. At this time no suspicious or explosive devices have been found in any of our schools. The investigation into the origin of this threat is ongoing.
Out of an abundance of caution, troopers throughout the state have been in communication with their local schools to offer assistance and resources. School corporations are working with their local law enforcement to make the best decision about their operations today.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said, “The safety of our children will always be a top priority, the Indiana State Police will continue to offer any and all resources we have to schools to ensure safety for our students.â€
Ivy Tech Foundation Exceeds Day of Giving Goal
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Day – the first-ever Day of Giving for Ivy Tech Community College – brought alumni, students, and friends of the College together on Tuesday to celebrate 60 years of achievement and opportunity in Indiana. The 24-hour event also exceeded its goal with 1,839 gifts contributing $241,685 that will provide for immediate student and programmatic needs across the state. The Foundation set a goal of 600 contributions to recognize Ivy Tech’s 60th anniversary this year.
The Ivy Tech’s campus in Evansville received $8,525 in contributions from more than 60 of Ivy Tech friends, alumni, staff, and members of our Campus Board of Trustees in the first-time day of giving.
Several events across Indiana knitted together the state’s passion for the nation’s largest singly accredited community college – such as lighting downtown Evansville green including the old Court House and Main Street, a commemorative Ivy Tech wine in Terre Haute, a “green scene†in downtown Muncie, and a Monument Circle lighting in downtown Indianapolis.
“The response underscores the importance of Ivy Tech to the State of Indiana,†said Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College. “Our donors, alumni, students, employer partners, faculty and staff, and friends in the community demonstrated the collective passion people have for Indiana’s community college, and I am incredibly grateful to the many people and organizations who support our work.â€
Approximately 173,000 people attend Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses across Indiana. Last year, over 41,000 credentials and certifications were awarded, and 93 percent of those who graduate stay in the Hoosier State to pursue their careers.
More than 50 challenge donations, ranging from $200 to $10,000, were received during the day.
“Ivy Tech Day was about bringing people together across Indiana, and we are thrilled with the response of our communities and campuses,†added Courtney Roberts, Ivy Tech Foundation president. “Our college and communities work together to make Indiana a great place to live. More than 90 percent of our graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and they showed us this week how they make a real difference for Hoosiers.â€
Ivy Tech was founded 60 years ago on March 15, 1963. Ivy Tech contributes $3.9 billion annually to Indiana’s economy, including a net impact of $3.6 billion from alumni working in the state. Eight of ten students who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without student debt. Additionally, Ivy Tech:
- graduates more nurses with 2-year degrees than any college in the nation, and most stay in Indiana to pursue their careers.
- contributes to 1 of every 70 jobs across Indiana.
“We are incredibly grateful to our generous alumni, community partners, and friends across Indiana,†Roberts said. “Their spirit and enthusiasm made it a great day, and their commitment makes Ivy Tech a wonderful college for students in Indiana.â€
MAN WHO DISCHARGED A FIREARM AT LAW ENFORCEMENT, RECEIVES 20-YEAR SENTENCE
RICHARD THOMAS JR., WHO HELD A CIVILIAN CAPTIVE IN A HOTEL ROOM AND DISCHARGED A FIREARM AT LAW ENFORCEMENT, RECEIVES 20-YEAR SENTENCE.
Evansville, IN – Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on April 11, 2023, Richard Howard Thomas, Jr., was sentenced to 20 years for holding a civilian captive in a hotel room and shooting at law enforcement who responded to the situation.
After a successful prosecution by Deputies Joshua Hutcheson and Ian Blair on
March 8, 2023, the jury found Thomas guilty of three counts of attempted aggravated
battery as a lesser included offense of attempted murder, a Level 3 felony; one count of
criminal confinement, a Level 3 felony; one count of possession of methamphetamine, a
Level 3 felony; one count of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4
felony; one count of battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, and one count
of criminal recklessness, a Level 6 felony.
The maximum possible sentence was 36 years.
At yesterday’s sentencing, Deputy Hutcheson argued for 30 years executed in the
Indiana Department of Correction. Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh
Circuit Court sentenced Thomas to a total sentence of 20 years executed in Indiana
Department of Correction due to each count running concurrently.
“Vanderburgh County is safer today because another dangerous person has been
taken off the streets for a significant period of time to be served in the Indiana Department
of Correction,†stated Prosecutor Moers, “We will continue to argue for severe sanctions
for attempting to harm civilians and the law enforcement who act to protect them.â€
GREENWAYS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2023 INDIANA GREENWAYSÂ AWARD WINNERS
DEPUTY MAYOR STEVE SCHAEFER IS A 2023 INDIANA GREENWAYSÂ AWARD WINNERS
APRIL 14, 2023
Join us for the 2023 Greenways Foundation of Indiana Annual Awards Luncheon, Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at the Ritz Charles Conference Center, Carmel, Indiana.  The celebration event will feature the latest trail project news, regional trail progress, the latest grant recipient projects, and much more! Annual Awards will be presented to individuals, nonprofit organizations, communities, corporations, and projects that have exhibited outstanding excellence in advancing greenways or multi-use trail development throughout Indiana.
The Greenways Foundation of Indiana is proud to announce the following recipients of the 2023 Indiana Greenways Awards:
Outstanding Public Official:Â Â Steve Schaefer, Evansville
Outstanding Trail Advocate:Â Â Jon Bomberger, Fort Wayne
Outstanding Trail Group:Â Â Indiana Trail Riders Association
Outstanding Trail Project:Â Â Kitselman Bridge Project, Muncie
Outstanding Local Government:Â Â Zionsville Parks and Recreation
Outstanding Corporation:Â Â Garmong Construction, Evansville, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne
Diana M. Virgil Legacy Award:Â Â Brian Payne, Indianapolis
Recognition in Memoriam:  Marta Moody and Bruce KimballBoard President Mitch Barloga said, “The Indiana Greenways Awards offers those who have provided outstanding contributions to the advancement of trail development in our Hoosier state and the opportunity to be publicly recognized and applauded for their achievements. The Greenways Foundation is honored and humbled to host these awards and shine a bright spotlight on those groups and individuals bettering our quality of life.”
Please join us at the luncheon to celebrate our deserving awardees! For more information about luncheon tickets, nominations, or the 2023 Indiana Greenways Awards recipients,
please visit https://www.greenwaysfoundation.org/annual-luncheon.
About the Greenways Foundation of Indiana
The Greenways Foundation is a statewide, charitable trust providing leadership and advocacy in the growth and use of Indiana greenways and trails.
Vazquez excelling in postseason in Puerto Rico
Vazquez has her team in the semifinals
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following a strong regular season in her first professional campaign, former University of Evansville volleyball star Alondra Vazquez has carried her team into the semifinals in the Puerto Rican League.
Vazquez averaged 20.67 points and 21 digs per match for her team – Atenienses de Manati. Vazquez’ squad swept three matches from league powerhouse Criollas de Caguas and will be taking on Cangrejeras de Santurce in the semifinal round.
As a rookie, Vazquez got better as the season progressed and is playing her best volleyball when it matters the most. Her efforts contributed greatly to the victories over Criollas de Caguas, who were the favorites in the league and are historically one of the top teams in Puerto Rico.
Over the course of the season, Vazquez ranked in the top ten in her league in points, kills, digs and good passes. She is a challenger for the Rookie of the Year Award and has been one of the top performers since advancing to the next level.
The semifinals begin on Tuesday, April 18.